TWO brothers are being threatened with eviction after more than 50 years, just weeks after their father's death.

TWO brothers are being threatened with eviction after more than 50 years, just weeks after their father's death.

Steve Cadman, a 54-year-old council grass cutter, and his 51-year-old brother Paul, both single, have lived at the semi-detached council property in Holly Road, Stone Cross, West Bromwich, since they were born.

The pair have been told they have to go following the death of their 81-year-old widowed father, Donald, because Sandwell Council will not pass on the tenancy.

Mr Cadman senior had been sole tenant of the property since the death of his wife, Grace, in November 2004 at the age of 77.

Sandwell Homes said that the tenancy could not be passed on, but the brothers said they could not face the heartbreak of giving up the property.

They have refused to go, and are now being threatened with eviction.

Paul, who is to appoint a solicitor to fight the case, said today that Sandwell Homes first wrote to the brothers on May 15 to say they could not stay.

The pair, who had turned down a fully-furnished, two-bedroomed flat in St Clement's House, sought help from Coun Anne Hughes and West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson.

They have since received a letter from Sandwell Homes which confirmed legal action had been started.

Paul Cadman, a press operator, said: "I could understand this if we were troublemakers or had refused to pay our #133.00 per fortnight rent, but all we want to do is to continue living at the home we have known since our childhood.

"We do not wish to leave. We have not knocked it about or anything. Mother could have bought it years ago, but never took up the option.

"This is a good neighbourhood. We have decent neighbours and they do not want us to leave."

Paul added: "We are going to get a solicitor and fight."

Peter John, director of operations for Sandwell Homes said today: "We are sympathetic to the circumstances of Mr Cadman and his brother at this difficult time. However, housing law states that a council tenancy can only be succeeded or passed on once.

"This happened when the property passed from their parents' joint tenancy to their father's, after their mother died.

"We have offered them a two-bedroomed flat in a nearby block which has recently been refurbished to a very high standard and to pay any moving expenses."

Mr John added: "The need for three-bedroomed family accommodation in this area is very high."